CITY
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Actor Saila Baruah passes away
By Our Correspondent
GUWAHATI, April 12 Jeevonor Pratito Pal Jar Babe Bilai Dili, Sihotoro Aji
Tor Babe Bhabibole Ahori Nai. Though this extracted line from the title track
of Munin Baruas blockbuster movie Nayak may sound like a cliché for the
cinebuffs, but for yesteryear actor Saila Baruah (81), who passed away today at
the Guwahati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) at around 3.45pm, the above line
remained the cruel truth of life.
The so-called nayaks (heroes) of the regional film industry, whom Baruah
yearned to see during his last few days of lonely lifetime, however put in an
appearance only after his death.
Inflicted with throat cancer, the versatile actor was undergoing treatment in
the B.Barooah Cancer Institute for the last one month. However, Baruah was
recommended to the Cardiology department of the GMCH after his condition
deteriorated last evening.
Born in Imphal in the year 1926, the actor began his acting career as a child
artist in a play titled Shah Jahan in the famous Baan Theatre in Tezpur, where
the lead role was played by Phani Sarmah, the legendary actor. After doing his
Matriculation from Tezpur High School, the actor completed his graduation from
the Cotton College in the year 1947.
In a career spanning over five decades, the versatile actor who made his debut
in the silverscreen in the year 1955 with Sorapaat was arguably the first actor
to have epitomized the concept of character acting. Showing signs of his
versatility, four years later, he made his directorial debut with popular film
Chaknaiya and later went on to play some of the memorable roles in films like
Ganesh, Hridoyor Aare Aare, Jaubane Amoni Kore, Maharathi, Mon and Sesh Upahaar.
Baruahs greatest contribution was, however, through radio and television where
he emoted hundreds of memorable roles. He, however, began his professional
career as an announcer in the Akashbani Guwahati Kendra. Some of the popular
television serials where the actor left his imprints of his wide array of
acting skills include Bhrikudar Baruaar Bia and Patharughate Ringiai, among
others.
Baruah played an active part in the State drama movement since 1949 and was
also the member of State Drama Selection Committee under the State Cultural
Affairs Department. Lately though, Baruah was conferred on the Silpi Award in
2003 by the Government of Assam and was also conferred Moonlight Media Lifetime
Achievement Award in the year 2002. Brauah leaves behind wife Indira Baruah and
son Bhaskar Jyoti Baruah.
Baruahs mortal remains was later taken to Shahid Nyas, Kamrup Natya Samiti and
Pragati Silpi Sangha. His last rite was performed at the Nabagraha crematorium
later in the evening in the presence of noted personalities of the State.
At a loss for words, actor Dinesh Das described Baruah as a simple and
down-to-earth person and maintained that the actors absence would always be
felt by the industry.
The All Assam Students Union while expressing shock over the demise of Baruah
said that the void left by Baruah would be very hard to fill. His
contributions to the Assamese society would act as a inspiration for
generations to come, said AASU president Sankar Prasad Rai.
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